Helping Little Ones Manage Big Feelings

Building Self Regulation Skills at Home

Join StarNet and presenter, Julie Kallenbach on March 20th from 7-8:30 pm for a free, virtual conversation around self regulation. This meeting is geared towards parents of children ages birth to five. 

Children in this age range are learning the foundational skills of executive function: self-regulation, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. All skills that help them mange big feelings. When developmental delays, disabilities, or sensory issues are present, these skills are critically essential in helping children be available for learning academics and social behaviors. Participants will learn how to create routines, use co-regulation skills, and the types of games that help build these fundamental skills.  

*To enroll, you may need to create a StarNet account. Instructions on how this easy step can be found on the registration link above.

Autism and Developmental Differences Expo

 

Event description

Don't miss the Autism & Developmental Differences Expo 2025, Saturday, March 15th, 10am-1pm. This event will feature many opportunities to connect with resources, service providers and programs for those with developmental differences, including:

• Free developmental screeners. To help you better see your child's developmental progress, sign up for a screener. These screeners are not in-depth evaluations, but serve to help you get a clearer picture of what the best next steps are for your child's development.
• Parent Workshops and Panels. Presented by local professionals on a variety of helpful topics. More details coming soon.
• Exhibitor Hall. Come connect with local providers offering a variety of programs and services including therapy, recreation, advocacy, etc. Participate in our passport contest for your chance to win gift cards to popular retailers!

This Expo is geared toward adults. Parents may bring children, though there will be NO respite care.

Free parking available.

https://events.humanitix.com/autismexpo25

Thinking Through Therapy Supports Outside of Early Intervention

 Autism Workshop: Covering the Costs of Therapy & Supports

A Free Guide to Toileting (for parents of children with an ASD diagnosis)

Rise Up 4 Autism is hosting free, virtual lectures for parents on September 30th from 7-8 pm. Interested? Please use the link below to register. 

A Rapid Method of Toilet Training

Free Virtual Toileting Work Shop

Click on the link below for tickets: 

A Rapid Method of Toilet Training Children with Autism | Humanitix

Chicago Autism Network

Caregivers, are you interested in learning more about neuro-affirming care, healthy boundaries and toileting? These are just a few of the upcoming topics being covered in free, virtual lectures geared for parents through Chicago Autism Network. Can't make the live sessions? They also offer a recorded archive of trainings on navigating a new diagnosis, insurance and covering therapy costs, behavior management and educational supports.

Chicago Autism Network Virtual Workshops 

Neighborhood Parents Network 2024 Summer Camp Guide is Out!

2024 Summer Camp Guide 

Time to get out the sunscreen! If you need some ideas on how to break up the lazy days of summer, this helpful guide allows you to narrow down options by age, price, location and dates. There is also a way to search for camps that would provide additional supports for your child (under camp specialty). 

The Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays has shared activities to consider this Spring/Summer. Please click on the link below for a listing of summer camps, workshops for parents and caregivers as well other great resources. 

Newsletter 

They also have a fantastic library of short videos in both English and Spanish for caregivers interested in learning more about an autism diagnosis and how to support their child.

Informational videos

Chicago Autism and Developmental Differences Expo - THIS WEEKEND!

Chicago Autism Network Expo 

Northwestern's Reduce the Wait

Reduce the Wait RTW Caregiver Information (Spanish) from Kindea Labs on Vimeo.

Do you think your child may be exhibiting signs of autism? Northwestern's Reduce the Wait Program is offering evaluations so that parents can get quickly get answers and access the supports needed. To learn more simply click here:  Reduce the Wait

Same Food and Autistic Wellness

Do you have a child that gravitates towards the same favorite food each day? So often as caregivers we look at this sameness with concern. Chicago Feeding Group is hosting a discussion around eating and Autism. Speaker, Laura Hellfield, offers a perspective as a neurodivergent health care professional that specializes in eating, sleeping and self care. She is also passionate about supporting Autistic mental health by building community spaces, both in-person and online. Parents and caregivers have an opportunity to attend this free lecture on Wednesday, February 21st from 1-3 pm. To learn more and register, please access the link here, Same Food & Autistic Wellness 

Free Webinars for Caregivers

RCADD (Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays) provides support for those who care for, teach and serve children with an autism diagnosis or other developmental differences. In addition to free virtual webinars, their website offers a wealth of resources that may be of interest to your family. Click on the link below to see what topics will be covered in these webinars through summer, 2024. There are opportunities to learn more about your child's diagnosis as well as how to create a supportive educational plan (Individualized Education Plan - IEP) for your child before attending preschool. 

2024 Virtual Webinar Series 

Your Sensory System

What does it mean when a someone is "over responsive" or "under responsive" to sensory experiences? This quick video may help explain:

Therapy Assistance Grants

The Chicago Autism Network is inviting families to apply for a therapy assistance grant through their website (link below). Those children who live in Illinois, meet income guidelines and have an autism diagnosis may be eligible for grant money to be used towards out of pocket therapy costs or help with insurance premiums. 

2024 Therapy Assistance Grants 

Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays RCADD

2023 Entrenamientos Virtuales de Español

2023 Entrenamientos Virtuales de Español

Looking for Autism Supports?

en español 

Autism - Learning More About Neurodiversity

Interested in learning more about autism? Wondering about symptoms, how a diagnosis is made and what supports may be available? Please see the resources below. 

https://autismnavigator.com/ - Autism Navigator provides resources, webinars/learning and a virtual community for those interested in learning more about early detection and support for children diagnosed with autism.

http://www.interactingwithautism.com/ is a video based resource that helps caregivers better understand the diagnosis, therapy options and experience living with autism.

Resource Directory RUSH offers a local resource directory for individuals diagnosed with autism. Looking for a dentist, summer camp or a supportive place to get your child's hair cut? Check out these recommendations!

Chicago Autism Network provides virtual workshops for caregivers around important topics such as encouraging social engagement, school advocacy and navigating insurance benefits.

First 100 Days After Diagnosis Tool Kit  Autism Speaks believes knowledge is power, particularly in the days after an autism diagnosis. The Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit helps families of children ages four and under make the best possible use of the 100 days following the diagnosis.

Support through our office is also available! Iwona Parkel, our Parent Liaison is available to talk one on one should you be interested, Iwona_M_Parkel@rush.edu. Please don't hesitate to connect.